Agilent / Keysight N5166B CXG RF Vector Signal Generator, 9 kHz to 3/6 GHz

The Keysight N5166B CXG RF Vector Signal Generator delivers precision signal generation across 9 kHz to 3 GHz or 6 GHz, purpose-built for component and receiver testing in IoT and general-purpose device validation. This vector signal generator combines a wide frequency range with flexible modulation capabilities and high spectral purity, enabling accurate characterization of complex RF behaviors.

Technical Specifications

• Frequency range: 9 kHz to 3 GHz or 6 GHz (model dependent)


• Frequency resolution: 0.001 Hz


• Frequency switching speed: ≤5 ms typical (SCPI, List/Step sweep)


• Frequency reference accuracy: ±4 × 10⁻⁸ calibration accuracy


• Internal timebase aging: ≤±5 ppm/10 years; <±1 ppm/year


• External reference input: 10 MHz standard; 1–50 MHz with Option 1ER


• External reference lock range: ±1 ppm Amplitude and Power


• Output power at 1 GHz: +18 dBm


• Maximum output power range: –3.0 to +20 dBm nominal


• Amplitude resolution: 0.01 dB


• Amplitude flatness (120 MHz): ±0.2 dB (with channel corrections optimized for I/Q output)


• Amplitude drift: 0.10 dB 3 GHz per g/kg absolute humidity change


• Temperature coefficient (outside 20–30°C): 0.01 dB/°C for both output power and absolute level accuracy Modulation Capabilities


• RF modulation bandwidth: Up to 120 MHz


• Baseband channels: 2 (I and Q)


• Baseband resolution: 12 bits


• Baseband sample rate: 100 Sa/s to 75 MSa/s (Option 653); 100 Sa/s to 150 MSa/s (Options 653 + 655)


• Arbitrary waveform memory: 512 MSa typical


• Frequency offset range: ±80 MHz baseband


• Modulation types: AM, FM, phase modulation (Option UNT), narrow pulse modulation (Option UNW)


• Sweep modes: Step and List; List mode supports independent waveforms, user-defined frequencies and amplitudes per point Spectral Purity


• Harmonics at 1 GHz: –35 dBc


• Non-harmonics at 1 GHz: –72 dBc

Key Features

• High-resolution frequency tuning with 0.001 Hz steps


• Extended waveform memory supports complex signal playback


• Multiple baseband bandwidth options: 60 MHz (Option 653) or 120 MHz (Option 655 with 653)


• Memory upgrade path: 32 MSa to 512 MSa (Option 022 with 653)


• Excellent frequency stability and low phase noise for precise testing


• List sweep capability for multi-point characterization without gaps

Typical Applications

• Component and receiver testing for wireless devices


• IoT device validation and characterization


• Complex signal generation for protocol testing


• Spectral purity verification and harmonic analysis


• Arbitrary waveform playback for custom modulation schemes

Compatibility & Integration External frequency reference input accepts 1–50 MHz sources (Option 1ER) with ±1 ppm lock range for synchronization with external standards. SCPI command interface supports automated test sequences and frequency/amplitude sweep control.